Tennis world sends tributes after Wimbledon semi

Tennis fans and commentators are paying tribute after former World No.9 and Wimbledon semi-finalist Roberto Bautista Agut announced his immediate retirement. The 38-year-old revealed back in April that 2026 would be the final season of his 21-year professional career.

The majority were expecting him to finish up at the US Open - the final grand slam tournament of the year. But the Spaniard announced this week that he's called it quits with immediate effect.

After losing in the first round at Wimbledon, Bautista Agut played in the Copa del Rey exhibition event this week in Spain. He then announced on social media that he won't play again.

"The Copa del Rey Tennis Tournament has been my last event as a professional," he wrote. "I was thrilled that it would be in Spain, and this iconic tournament was the perfect stage to bid farewell. Grateful to those of you who have been with me on this journey and to tennis for everything it has given me."

Bautista Agut won 12 titles on the ATP tour and reached a career high of World No.9 in 2019. That year he made the quarter-finals at the Australian Open and semi-finals of Wimbledon, where he lost to eventual champion Novak Djokovic. He also helped Spain win the Davis Cup in 2019 in what proved to be a career year.

Tennis world sends tributes to Roberto Bautista Agut

He said in April: "I've lived my dream for many years. I've given everything I had in every training session and every match. Now I feel the time has come to start saying goodbye, to enjoy each tournament in a different way, and to close this chapter with gratitude for my beloved tennis.

"I want to live every last point this year. To feel the support of the people, to compete one more time in the tournaments that have been a part of my life, and to say goodbye on the court, which is where I've always been happiest.

"Thank you to my family, my team, my friends, my sponsors, and everyone who has been there for me during these years. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all the fans who have supported me every step of the way."

The Copa Davis account wrote on social media: "Congratulations, Champion! Davis Cup Legend!" Fellow Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro wrote: "Congratulations on all that you have lived and achieved during your career. It has been a pleasure to coincide so many years by your side. Enjoy now family and your new stage."

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